22 – Advances with a Little Spoon

“Don’t worry, I’ll eat it too.” Ren used insight on the newly created dish, hearing Juliette’s familiar voice in his mind.

“[Fused musttel filet, mushroom cream bonded. Single dish boon; If consumed within thirty minutes of preparation, grants enhanced speed for four hours. Only one boon may be active at once.]”

Interesting that it still uses minutes and hours in my head. I guess it’s the personal thing? Whatever.

“It’s also imbued with the essence of speed, so you should get that for.” He tried to do the math in his head then gave up. “Until a little while after the sun goes down.”

“What does speed even mean?” Stubbs asked.

“I… don’t really know, but let’s find out.” Ren cut the steak in half scooping one portion onto another plate. ”Bon—“ He caught himself. “Enjoy!”

Slowly, Stubbs stepped forward, reaching for another knife and fork. He prodded the meat, turning it over, before skewering a piece and holding it close to his nose. “Well, at the very least, it smells wonderful.”

Ren cut himself a piece, holding it up as well. “Cheers!” Together they both took a bite.

Flavor exploded in his mouth, blossoming until it threatened to overwhelm his senses. The deep, meaty flavor of the filet tasted almost like beef, with the subtle sweetness of the cream and onions layered with earthy umami from the wild mushrooms, all with a hint of spice from the pepper.

Beside him, Stubbs groaned. “My word.”

“Holy freaking cow. That’s wild.” Ren took another bite. Like in the forest, a strange electric feeling coursed through him, focused again on his limbs. An innate sense filled his mind, and he knew that, if he desired, he could draw on the latent power.

“This is one of the most incredible things I’ve ever eaten.” Stubbs looked over towards him. “And I’ve eaten a lot of things.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty unbelievable.” He caught himself, realizing how it sounded. “You know, if I can say that? Um… do you feel the energy?”

“It’s like fire in my arms and legs, not painful though. I wonder if…”

The large man blurred, not quite teleporting to the other side of the kitchen. With his enhanced senses, Ren could barely follow what happened.

“Amazing! Truly astounding, did I imagine that or did time slow?”

Ren smiled broadly drawing on the energy filling his own body. Around him time appeared to freeze, the flickering tongues of fire in the hearth slowing to a crawl. He walked over to stand beside Stubbs, feeling the power drain out of him rapidly as he mentally released it.

“Ah!” Stubbs took two steps to the side, bumping into the wooden table in the center of the room with a clatter. “You… teleported…? I… amazing!” He lifted his head back and let out a roaring laugh. “Well, this was unexpected.”

“Anyone seen that oversized excuse for an innkeeper? The wood’s cut and I need some ale.” The familiar sound of Jax drifted in from the common room.

Already, Ren could sense the power building again. “Do me a favor, don’t go speeding around the common room, I really don’t want to draw any more attention to us than we have to.”

For a moment, Stubbs looked like he would protest, but he nodded once before speeding over to the ale barrels and calling out, “Just a moment, you oaf.” He grabbed a pitcher and strode back through the kitchen entrance.

Ren glanced at the remaining steaks. Well, we need to eat them soon. I guess it’s time to surprise the others. He went back and forth before deciding to leave the pan in the kitchen, opting to have Jax and Kaylin come to him rather than try and risk having to explain even more to any other patrons in the common area. With a shrug, he followed after the innkeeper.

“Ah! There he is.” Jax was smiling, his brow slick with sweat. ”Any ale for a weary wood cutter? Refined or no, a body needs sustenance.”

“I think ale hardly counts as sustenance, big guy.”

“Ah! The lone swimmer returns! I was wondering if the current had carried you away.”

“Not exactly, hey I have—” Ren noticed Jax’s gaze shift to inn’s entrance. Behind him he sense the distinct warping of aura.

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“Why, hello Asha.” In an instance, Jax’s voice had shifted from its typical loud and boisterous to something soft and deep.

Ren sighed, turning around to face the woman.

“Hello again, Jax, Ren!” Her voice was as light and girlish as before. She nodded to the giant barman. “Hey there, Stubbs, it’s been a while.”

“Asha! It certainly has, I didn’t realize you were in the area. Let me get you something.”

“Just passing through. I lost a bet. And a drink sounds great, still have any of that home-brewed mead?”

“I may be able to find something.”

Jax stepped forward. “Would you do me the honor of sharing a table with me while you drink it? A flower as lovely as yourself should not stand alone.

Asha’s eyes twinkled, her mouth creeping up as she examined the large noble.

There’s no way that line works. Ren thought.

“Ok, deal.”

No way.

“Marvelous! Stubbs, make that tw—”

“On one condition.” Asha cut Jax off.

“Condition?”

“Yep, one condition. You have to hit me.”

“I… hit you?”